Raiders’ pass rush needs to improve
When teams win despite giving up 423 yards passing — as the Raiders did Sunday — there is some gentle nudging.
Oakland didn’t get a pass rush going against Drew Brees in New Orleans, and linebacker Bruce Irvin said he and defensive end Khalil Mack need some help against Atlanta’s Matt Ryan on Sunday.
Opposing teams, going back to the last two games of the preseason, have been chip blocking the two pass rushers.
New Orleans head coach Sean Payton said as much after the game, that the team’s primary goal and preparation all week was to contain Mack.
Mack, who had 15 sacks last season, didn’t lay a hand on Brees until the fourth quarter and finished without any sacks, quarterback hits or hurries.
“He’s a player that can take over games, and he has taken over games,” New Orleans right tackle Zach Strief told reporters.
[...] what can the Raiders do to counteract the chip blocks?
Defensive tackles Dan Williams and Justin Ellis played only 15 and 17 snaps, respectively, because the Saints don’t run much.
Rookies Jihad Ward and Darius Latham played more (47 and 25 snaps) but had only one QB hit between them.
2nd home opener?
The Raiders host Atlanta on Sunday, but Irvin said it won’t feel like a home opener.